The power of emotional intelligence
The power of emotional intelligence
5 minutes
Emotional intelligence has a huge impact in every aspect of our lives. It influences many different areas in our personal and professional spheres – ranging from mental health, decision making, our performance, the relationships we make, and even overall life satisfaction.
Psychologists Peter Salovey and John D. Mayer introduced the concept in the early 1990s, and its significance has only grown since then. Considered pioneers in the field of emotional intelligence, they defined emotional intelligence as “the ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions to promote emotional and intellectual growth.”
Daniel Goleman, a psychologist and science journalist who is widely credited for popularising the concept of emotional intelligence, has almost the same definition, but he also incorporates the aspect of EI that pertains to influencing the emotions of others.
Emotional intelligence involves a combination of skills and abilities related to the perception, understanding, and management of emotions. The components of emotional intelligence, as popularised by psychologist and author Daniel Goleman, provide a comprehensive framework for understanding this crucial aspect of human behaviour.
Self-awareness is the ability to recognise and understand one’s own emotions, including their impact on thoughts and behaviour. It means being in tune with one’s feelings, accurately identifying emotions as they arise, and understanding the factors that trigger them. People with high self-awareness are better equipped to navigate their emotional landscape, make informed decisions, and align their actions with their values.
This refers to the ability to manage and control one’s own emotions, impulses, and reactions in various situations. Building on self-awareness, self-regulation involves the conscious effort to modulate and channel emotions constructively. It includes techniques such as impulse control, stress management, and adaptability. People with strong self-regulation can maintain composure in challenging situations, make sound decisions under pressure, and foster a positive emotional climate.
At its core, relationship management involves the ability to navigate social situations adeptly, build and maintain meaningful connections, resolve conflicts constructively, and inspire and influence others positively. Being able to understand and resonate with others’ emotions fosters deeper connections and enables individuals to provide meaningful support during challenging times.
This EI aspect encompasses a range of abilities related to effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building. Those with high levels of social skills can establish rapport easily, build and maintain positive relationships, and contribute to a harmonious and collaborative social environment.
The driving force behind all these is motivation, which is the fifth component. Motivation drives us to develop and enhance our self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills. Our level of motivation determines our willingness to engage in self-reflection and fuels the effort required to regulate emotions effectively, especially in challenging situations
Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in leadership and overall job effectiveness. This has become more evident in leadership circles – especially now that more organisations are looking into optimising performance and positive workplace cultures.
Leaders with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to inspire and motivate their teams. They can understand and respond to the emotions of their team members, fostering a positive work environment. Emotional intelligence also is a catalyst for effective team collaboration. It enables team members to communicate effectively, understand the emotions of their colleagues, resolve conflicts, work well with diverse personalities, and contribute to a supportive work culture.
Emotional intelligence also has a huge impact on our income — the higher the emotional capacity, the higher the salary. Moreover 3 out of 4 managers use EI as a basis for promotions and salary increases. To have a fulfilling professional life, developing your EI is a smart investment.
Emotional Intelligence also has a huge influence on our mental health and overall well-being. Being aware of our emotions allows us to regulate them effectively. This self-regulation helps us manage stress, reduce anxiety, and maintain a more balanced emotional state. It also helps us deal with stress triggers and other negative emotions, so we can employ coping strategies and navigate challenging situations with greater ease.
Another benefit of having a strong EI is that it equips us with the resilience needed to bounce back from any setback. Whether you’re dealing with a failed relationship or a disappointment, you’re able to keep a positive mindset and learn from experiences rather than being overwhelmed by them.
Emotional intelligence also protects us from mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression. Being able to regulate our feelings prevents negative feelings from escalating into overwhelming states that contribute to anxiety and depression. It also helps us devise positive coping mechanisms. Instead of resorting to maladaptive behaviours or negative coping strategies, people with high EI are more likely to adopt healthy approaches to deal with life’s challenges.
Emotional Intelligence influences various aspects of our journey towards self-improvement. It helps us become the best version of ourselves. By gaining a deep understanding of our emotions, strengths, and areas for improvement, we can identify our goals, align actions with values, and make informed decisions that contribute to our overall development.
EI equips us with resilience, a skill that is essential for overcoming challenges, setbacks, and stressors without being overwhelmed. With it, we are able to maintain composure, make rational decisions, and avoid impulsive reactions.
People with high emotional intelligence also display adaptability and flexibility in the face of change. They can deal with changes, no matter how abrupt they are, with an open mind and a positive attitude. This shows that they are willing to learn, explore, and embrace opportunities for development.
Emotional intelligence significantly influences personal and professional wellbeing, shaping human behaviour through key components such as self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. In a world that values both technical and interpersonal skills, cultivating emotional intelligence is not just a choice but continuous investment in your success, fulfillment, and resilience throughout life’s complexities.
Developing your emotional intelligence is not an overnight job. But, each step you take helps develop and embed new habits. Consider that it takes years of practice for it to be fully adapted – be patient with yourself, celebrate progress, and remain committed to your self-development.
